The best 30 places you can't miss if you visit Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the northernmost island and a world away from mainland Japan. It is also a paradise for nature lovers. In Hokkaido, there are so many destinations offering various kinds of activities and events that you will never get tired of. Here is a list we suggest of the best 30 places that you can not miss while visiting Hokkaido.

You can enjoy the 360-degree grand panorama of the scenery of Sapporo Mt. Moiwa can be counted as having one of the Top 3 Night Views of Hokkaido alongside Hakodate and Otaru. On top of that, in the primeval forest of Mt. Moiwa that has been designated as a Natural Monument, you can encounter various examples of flora and fauna.

The grand panorama of the scenery of Sapporo There is the Mt. Moiwa Viewing Point where you can get a panoramic view over Sapporo from the 531m summit. From here, you can get a 360-degree view of the city where the Ishikari Plain and Ishikari Bay spread out. Named Inkarushibe after the Ainu word for “a place to be always climbed and look out over”, the Viewing Point is enjoyed for its dynamic view. The lovely night view that spreads out in front of you has a grandness only to be found in Hokkaido. Accordingly, the incredible beaut...

Enjoy the spectacular view of Japan’s largest lavender field Hokkaido’s leading tourist spot where you can enjoy the entire day admiring the 15-hectare lavender field and cultivated flowers, along with delicious cuisine making use of local ingredients.

Japan’s No. 1 lavender field Furano City in the center of Hokkaido is especially famous for its lavender and every year, numerous tourists come and visit for that wonderful scent and view. Farm Tomita is renowned for having the largest lavender field in the Furano area. Boasting a wide 15 hectares, the peak time is in July and so the journey to the farm is notable for its traffic jams. Also, the farm’s Traditional Lavender Field has the longest history of its type in Japan. Its grand landscape unfurls like a violet carpet and the...

The 3 Michelin Star night view of Hakodate has a beauty that is a must-see From Mt. Hakodate, you can get a panoramic view of the city of Hakodate below. In front of your very eyes, the wide Hakodate Bay and the Tsugaru Strait spread out. The expressions change with the seasons but it is especially the night view that has an overwhelming beauty.

Also enjoy the view on the ropeway There are many ways to get up to the peak. Mt. Hakodate has an altitude of 334m, and because there are paths available to get up the mountain, you can climb up there in a little under 1 hour. For example, there are gentle walking trails. You can also try recommended routes to reach the peak while feeling the nature of Mt. Hakodate. As well, there are tour buses and a direct bus from JR Hakodate Station to the peak, but a ride to the top on the ropeway via a large gondola is wonderful. The gondola holds 125 p...

Impressive for its various methods to charm visitors with the animals’ lifestyles and conduct Asahiyama Zoo is not just limited to the animals but also covers the natural ecologies that thrive there. There have been particular efforts given to breeding in the cold regions, and the zoo has been successful in the natural reproduction of animals such as polar bears.

Displays that have become famous overnight Currently visited by over 3 million people annually, Asahikawa Zoo has naturally been popular with the Japanese but has also attracted overseas tourists. In the 1990s, annual visits had dropped to 200,000 people, but through various tactics to be able to view the animals up close and have them live in their own environments, it progressed to the point of becoming Japan’s No. 1 zoo. As a good example in recreating different regions, it is a zoo that has gotten attention from the rest of the nati...

A beautiful crater lake in Mashū Blue whose clarity is the highest in Japan The beautiful scene of volcano, forest and lake enjoyed in Hokkaido’s Teshikagacho District. The crater lake of Lake Mashū has also been chosen as a heritage site for the prefecture, and the surrounding area can also be enjoyed for its onsen villages.

A grand landscape born from nature Lake Mashū has a depth of up to 200 meters and is a crater lake which boasts a clarity that is one of the highest in the world. A crater lake is formed when the crater part of a volcano collapses into itself, and since there are no rivers and few impurities to flow into it, the lake water that is conserved there has a high transparency. It is a lake whose surface changes expression with the season and the daily weather. It is also a lake which is often foggy to the point that it is referred to as Foggy Lake...

A park spanning 1.5 kilometers from Odori Nishi 1-chome to 12-chome in the center of Sapporo With flower beds and grass prettily arranged, this is a park which beautifully adorns the landscape of Sapporo. As a rest area for many people, it is used all throughout the year for various events.

A park in the city where you can catch your breath Odori Park continues for 1.5 km in the center of Sapporo, Hokkaido. The lush green park matches well with TV Tower and the central city streets, and it plays a role as a place of respite for the many people coming and going. Selected as one of The Top 100 Cityscapes, Odori Park has contributed to the increase in greenery within Sapporo. From April to autumn, the various flowers blooming in the area seek to calm tourists’ hearts. The flower beds during the seasons of flowers are a scenic...

This mystical pond whose appearance changes depending on the season and the angle of light is a hidden must-see spot Within the natural and hilly Biei area, this is a prominent tourist spot. Truly one of the hidden scenic sites whose entry was restricted up to 2010.

A mystical pond which shines in blue The town of Biei in Hokkaido where the Blue Pond is located is a place where you can feel the great outdoors of the prefecture through its rolling hills. Along with the Furano district, Biei is a popular area that is a member of The Association of The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan. The town has many tourist spots such as magnificent Mt. Tokachi which have been blessed by nature and are very relaxing. The Blue Pond is one other such site. It is a body of water that was created from a dam which was built...

Panoramic flower fields overflowing with the scent of lovely blossoms throughout the four seasons Several dozen kinds of flowers bloom in the wide fields, and the large vicinity of Biei Town becomes just like a carpet of blossoms. You can also enjoy snowmobiling during the winter.

The large gardens have a breathtaking beauty Biei in Hokkaido has rolling hills surrounded by a chain of mountains so that the area can be appreciated for its grand landscape. With its never-ending horizon and Mother Nature, it is a tourist area to calm body and soul. Shikisai-no-Oka consists of panoramic flower fields which makes use of the dynamic nature in Biei. Within its 15 hectares, it boasts a variety of blooms from spring to autumn. The scene of colorful flowers against the backdrop of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range is incredible. I...

Hokkaido’s foremost onsen town where you can enjoy hot springs in the middle of grand Mother Nature Noboribetsu Onsen which is easily accessible from urban centers such as Sapporo and Hakodate is far and away the most popular onsen area in Hokkaido. You can even do a day-trip tour of 14 onsen

The popular onsen area that regularly ranks highly in Japan Noboribetsu Onsen which is located close to Hokkaido Prefecture’s Noboribetsu City, is a highly popular onsen town that has gathered many fans in the nation. An area that has had a long history ranging from the Edo Era, it has garnered overwhelming fame and popularity even within the prefecture since its first onsen inn was established in the Meiji Era. Along with the fact that it has great access from Hokkaido’s urban centers, it is an onsen area with fine quality water...

A shopping area whose log houses produce a warm atmosphere Located in the forest of the New Furano Prince Hotel, it’s an area where you can enjoy shopping in the middle of nature. Its craft shops and cafes have become famous so that it has even been used for filming on TV.

A shopping area of a string of log houses Hokkaido’s Furano is a city of sights to see from the lavender in summer to the skiing in winter, and Ningle Terrace is a shopping area located in a forest next to the New Furano Prince Hotel. “Ningle” refers to a 15cm-tall character known as The Wise Man of the Forest in a book of the same title written by So Kuramoto, famous for the popular drama “Kita no Kuni kara” (From the North Country), and the shopping area was created based on the writer’s ideas. The craf...

A lone oak tree standing among the hills of Biei which stretch off in all directions The Seven Star Tree became an overnight sensation when its image was used on a package of Seven Star cigarettes. It is a scenic spot that represents the beautiful scenery of the hills of Biei.

Enjoy the wide hills of Biei The town of Biei is an agricultural region in Hokkaido and is an attractive tourist area for its landscape of hills on the wide farmland. Beautiful scenery can be enjoyed such as Patchwork Road for its patchwork-like fields of differing colors due to the different types of crops planted, and Panorama Road with its 360-degree view of the landscape. This is a hilly region whose expressions change over the seasons. An oak tree that has become a symbol for the hills Near Patchwork Road where the beautiful hills of...

The theme park by Shiroi Koibito, the famous sweets representing Hokkaido With not just a tour of the confectioner’s factory, there are plenty of highlights at the park such as displays and the history of candy along with the ability to create your original sweets. This is a place for all those people with a sweet tooth.

Take a tour of the factory of Shiroi Koibito, the famous sweets of Hokkaido When it comes to Hokkaido souvenirs, there is Shiroi Koibito (White Lovers), white chocolate sandwiched between two crisp langue de chat cookies. On the iconic blue-and-white packages, there is a picture of Mt. Rishiri on Rishiri Island, and the cookies have become loved by many people as the famous sweets of Hokkaido. At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can go on a tour of the manufacturing facility. Beyond the glass, you can witness the process of the chocolate being sand...

Business hours - Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM )Phone 011-666-1481Price - Adult: 600 JPY- Child: 200 JPYAlong with the New Year’s Holidays, there are cases in which the opening times will change at irregular intervals Websitewww.shiroikoibitopark.jp

A patchwork landscape of hills spreading over a wide area The scenery of farmland spreading over a beautiful hilly zone brings together a wonderful collection of flowers and produce. There are many tourist spots to enjoy the grand landscape where you can appreciate the nature of Biei.

The grand nature of Biei is on an astounding scale The hilly area that spreads everywhere is the attractive Biei of Hokkaido. One of the tourist areas where you can enjoy the grand scenery born in the midst of Mother Nature within the prefecture is Patchwork Road. To avoid any damage from continuous re-planting of the same or similar crops in the same area, a variety of flowers and produce is raised in this area. The scenery is just like a patchwork quilt and the path that goes through this hilly area to be able to view this scenery is Patc...

The 9th biggest lake in Japan and one of the Three Great Landscapes of Hokkaido A lake located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed from volcanic activity. Along with nature and the surrounding landscape, you are completely free to enjoy the onsen and the outdoors any way you like.

A huge natural environment blessed with flora and fauna With Shikotsu-Toya National Park in the surrounding vicinity, Lake Toya has also been registered as a Japanese and World Geopark. Furthermore, it is one of Hokkaido’s foremost tourist spots that has been recognized for its myriad beautiful views that have been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Great Views. It also boasts status as Japan’s 3rd-largest caldera lake as well as a picturesque spot to see Mt. Usu and Mt. Showashinzan, and even Mt. Yotei off in the distance. Th...

Enjoy sports, shopping and cuisine as you enjoy nature on Mt. Niseko Annupuri The super popular ski resort will satisfy even the most advanced of skiers. The high-quality powder snow is the selling point. In 2014, a shopping area reminiscent of an old Japanese town was also opened.

It’s not just about skiing! You can enjoy a variety of activities Mt. Niseko Annupuri at Hokkaido’s Niseko. The lovely natural scene that spreads out there is especially full of winter sports, and during that season, many tourists visit so that they can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Among the numerous ski resorts on Annupuri, the Niseko Village Ski Resort has a lot of slopes with a high degree of difficulty so that the advanced skiers can enjoy them to their hearts’ content. Furthermore, besides skiing and snowboarding, a...

The source for Noboribetsu Onsen. The spectacular sight of the hot water that bubbles up even now makes it a highlight. Located right next to Noboribetsu Onsen, white smoke wafts up from the blowholes and you are enveloped in hot air that feels just like hell. The primeval forest in the surrounding area is beautiful for its foliage in fall.

Feel the breath of the great land Jigokudani is located right beside Hokkaido’s Noboribetsu Onsen. With the remains of a 450-meter crater, even now gases of sulphur and other elements and hot water used at the onsen rise up as the source spring. From the reddish-brown face of the mountain, smoke puffs up and you can feel the surrounding hot air on your skin. At the entrance of Jigokudani, there are also 2 observation points which are recommended to view the whole landscape. The contrast between the surrounding primeval forest and the...

A site where you can observe the making of cheese up close Not only can you sightsee through a cheese factory, but there is also an area directly run by the factory which provides products such as cheese and candies. Furthermore, there is also a facility to find out about the history of cheese and workshops.

This is the must-see factory for cheese lovers Select ingredients are chosen in the rich environment of Furano in Hokkaido Prefecture, and at The Furano Cheese Factory, the most delicious cheese is produced. Fresh milk from Furano farms is used which takes about 4 months to become cheese, and it is at this cheese factory that this process can be observed up close. The factory is surrounded by beautiful birch trees, and it’s possible to view the cheese production facility and aging rooms beyond the glass. You can also learn about the h...

An outdoor museum to learn about the history of the reclamation of Hokkaido and the prisoners who lived there Part of the buildings that had actually been used during the Meiji Era has been preserved and opened as a museum. Carvings of the prisoners of the time have been left, and there is a fascinating air to the place.

Learn about the prison during the development of Hokkaido The reclamation of the huge area of Hokkaido occurred during the Meiji Era. It was a time when many hands were needed, so prisoners were also used as a labor force. Abashiri Prison Museum is known as a valuable facility where you can get a glimpse of prisoners working off their sentences through their contributions to the development during this age and their lifestyles. As Japan’s only prison museum, tableware and historical goods that were used in the relocated barracks dur...

There is no doubt about the impressiveness of the horizon and the hills that go off everywhere The town of Biei in Hokkaido is famous as a town of hills which has been used in commercials and televised dramas. The epic landscape just spreads out and it feels as if you are standing in the middle of a painting.

Patchwork Road The hills of Biei in Hokkaido are characterized by a wealth of agriculture. It is especially the farmscapes on these hills that make it the No. 1 tourist spot for Biei. Forests were cleared to create the farmlands of today which led to the grand hills that can be seen today. Biei, which is located at the foot of the Daisetsuzan Tokachidake Mountain Range, is filled with crops that differ from season to season especially to prevent repeated cultivation so the hills take on different colors resembling a patchwork. For that reason...

Get a full view of the former Goryokaku and the city of Hakodate from the observation deck The tower opened in 2006 has a height of 107 meters. The view from the observation deck changes depending on the time and scenery. You can also learn about the history of Goryokaku and Hakodate.

The highest tower from which to view Goryokaku and Hakodate The observation deck of Goryokaku Tower is one of the recommended places to view Hakodate which is famous for the beauty of its nightscape. From there, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Goryokaku which is known for its star-shaped fort, the streets of Hakodate, Tsugaru Strait, the Yokotsu Mountains and other features. The scenery during the daytime is also wonderful, but the nighttime illumination and the turning off of the lights are especially recommended. During the Goryo...

The red brick warehouse is a famous Hakodate tourist spot where you can enjoy shopping and cuisine The townscape that has been recognized as a prefectural heritage site and the historic red brick warehouse’s atmosphere create a must-see tourist destination when you come to Hakodate.

A tourist spot steeped in the profound atmosphere of the Meiji Era The mark consisting of the kanji for “woods” under a right angle displayed on the red brick warehouse is the official trademark for the old Kanemori Yobutsu-Ten (Western Goods Store). This warehouse which was built in the Meiji Era is operated by Kanemori Shosen Inc. which began as Kanemori Yobutsu-ten. The property has been recognized as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings and is also known as a famous tourist site in the city of Hakodate whic...

Recommended for the night lighting which brings a warm atmosphere Active as the gateway into a developing Hokkaido from 1923, even now, facilities like restaurants have been revived in their original form. Otaru Canal is also known as the venue for the Snow Light Path Festival.

You can feel the atmosphere of a trip back through time During the age of Hokkaido’s development, ships being able to make deliveries directly to the warehouses began with Otaru Canal. Built from offshore reclamation, the canal makes a gentle curve with a total length of 1140m. The former waterway was halved, and currently, it is now a walking path and boulevard garden. In the surrounding area, there is Canal Plaza with stores where you can purchase special products of Otaru, and facilities such as the Otaru Civic Museum. Also, you ca...

The night view of Sapporo from the jewel-like TV Tower has been called one of the New Top Three Nightscapes of Japan The symbol of Sapporo standing out in the middle of the city. There is an observation deck to enjoy the nightscape along with restaurants. It is a superb spot to appreciate the scenery of Sapporo which changes every season.

The symbol of Sapporo to enjoy shopping and dining Sapporo TV Tower which is located in Odori Park in the center of Sapporo is famous as a tourist spot representing the city. At a height of 147.2 meters, it is easy to see and access once you walk upon Odori Avenue so that it is visited by many tourists. During events such as New Year’s, the tower is illuminated in a variety of colors so that it is recommended as a photography spot. It doesn’t just fulfill a role as a television broadcast tower, but it is also a commercial facilit...

A lush green park in the middle of the city of Sapporo Its contrast with the surrounding beautiful mountains is lovely as a nationally-recognized Important Cultural Property. Nakajima Park is filled with people throughout the year as an event venue.

Recommended strolling to feel nature The most exciting area in Sapporo is the entertainment district of Susukino beside which is Nakajima Park. Although it is located in the center of the city, it is rich in greenery and no matter which season you visit, the surrounding mountains help create the beautiful scenery. On the beautiful surface of Shobu Pond from where you can view Mt. Moiwa, you can also see wild birds. It is a great place to take a walk during spring and summer, but the park is also refreshing in the fall for the changing colors...

Japan’s northernmost ice-free lake is a part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park Although it is located in a very cold region of Japan, the water at the bottom of the lake is quite warm which means it is a caldera lake that doesn’t freeze over. The area has numerous tourist spots and surrounding nature.

Enjoy the magnificent landscape by the lakeshore The origin of Lake Shikotsu came from the Ainu word for “big hollow”. It is a caldera lake which was formed about 40,000 years ago and is known for being the nation’s northernmost ice-free lake. Also, it is a beautiful body of water that boasts one of the best examples of clear water in Japan. In the area around the lake, there is a magnificent range of mountains including Mt. Eniwa, Mt. Tarumae and Mt. Fuppushi. You can enjoy yourself simply walking around the lakeshore area...

Enjoy a variety of activities within the grand nature of Hokkaido Located close to Hakodate, this is a large park which includes 3 lakes and the volcano Komagatake. This is a large natural resort which can be enjoyed fully by families for the environment that is very Hokkaido.

A park with many sights to see surrounded by Japanese white birch and maple trees Ōnuma Quasi-National Park is one of the New Top Three Views of Japan alongside Miho-no-Matsubara in Shizuoka Prefecture and Yaba Valley in Oita Prefecture. The park includes the three lakes of Onuma, Konuma and Junsai. The name of Onuma came from the Ainu word “boro toh” which means “a large marsh”, the meaning of “onuma”. A serene and relaxing scene of lakes and marshes spreads out surrounded by nature including Japanese whi...

Also known as a famous site for cherry blossoms, the shrine is alive with hatsumode visitors during the New Year’s holidays Hokkaido Shrine has looked after Hokkaido since the days of its development. On its grounds which are lush in nature, wild animals such as the Hokkaido squirrel can be seen. The beauty of the spring cherry blossoms and plum flowers is also something that cannot be missed.

A shrine that has accompanied Hokkaido’s long history Hokkaido Shrine had its origins from 1869 when Emperor Meiji ordered the enshrining of three deities for the reclamation of Hokkaido. At the time, the land that had been known as Ezo became the prefecture of Hokkaido, and from the very beginning of it becoming Japanese territory, the citizens of the prefecture have embraced the shrine. On its 180,000 square-meter grounds filled with history, there are many cherry trees planted there, and with the coming of spring, the intensely bea...

A beautiful cobalt-blue pond created from the underground springs of Lake Mashū A pond that has a depth of up to 5m, it is fed with 12000 tonnes of underground water per day from Lake Mashū. In its clear waters, there are fallen trees and fish. And depending on the season, the hue of the blue color changes.

A mysterious blue pond Lake Mashū is called Kamuito (the Pond of God) in the Ainu language, and its water level doesn’t change at all since there are no rivers flowing in or out of the lake. It is said that the explanation lies in the waters of Lake Mashū flowing into the surrounding ponds as underground water. Kami-no-Koike is one of those ponds, and its name means “The Child Pond of God”. It is a small pond with a circumference of 220m and a depth of 5m, but it is a popular place visited by many tourists. The overriding...

Experience the nature of Shiretoko via a wooden boardwalk going to the first lake and nature trails that can be walked upon throughout the five lakes The expansive landscape of the World Natural Heritage site of Shiretoko can be witnessed at Shiretoko Five Lakes. It is also the natural habitat of the brown bear, and a tourist spot whose untouched nature can be enjoyed.

Take 2 ways to walk around the area Shiretoko Five Lakes is surrounded by a primeval forest and the Shiretoko Mountains. Within this region of lush flora and fauna, you can experience the grandness of nature here. There are 2 ways to navigate through Shiretoko Five Lakes. First, there is the wooden boardwalk course which has a total length of 800m and goes as far as the shores of one of the lakes. The boardwalk ranges from 2 to 5 meters in height and there is an electric fence with 7000 volts of current running around it so in the unlikely ev...

Hokkaido’s largest ski resort where you can enjoy the view from the mountaintop The total length of the ski runs is 42km. One of the charming points of the resort is that there are a variety of courses for beginners and advanced skiers to enjoy.

While getting that perfect view Rusutsu Resort is the largest resort of its kind in Hokkaido located in the village of Rusutsu. With a total of 37 courses, it expands through 3 mountains: Mount Isola, East Mountain and West Mountain. In particular, a superb view of Lake Toya and Mt. Usu spreads out from Mt. Isola which you can ski down while seeing the façade of Mt. Yotei. To be able to see this incredible view as you go down the mountain is a true pleasure that can only be experienced in Hokkaido. From the continuous high-quality mo...

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